The U.S. now requires $15,000 bonds from applicants in 13 countries, mostly African, for visas starting Jan. 1, 2026.

In order to obtain a visa, applicants from Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan must post bonds of up to $15,000. The U.S. has extended this requirement to 13 countries, the majority of which are in Africa. The regulation, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026, mandates in-person interviews as well as thorough disclosures of social media and travel history. Aiming to reduce overstays, the bond—which is refundable if the visa is denied or terms are met—has sparked questions about accessibility and affordability.